Assessment of factors associated with adherence of HAART among chronic care patients in dessie hospital

Abstract Background: The number of people living with Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV) worldwide reaching an estimated 33.4 million from this 22.4 million found in sub Saharan Africa. Ethiopia is one of the countries that attack by HIV/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) from Sub –Saharan country. In this study, the adherence of patient on HAART and associated factors was determined. Data was collected form 352 interviewees who were selected using systematic random sampling technique. The adherence rate was 281 (79.8 %) of HIV|AIDS patients adhered to the prescribed HAART. Some of the reasons for poor adherences reported were 49.1% forgetting the time, 9.9 lack of transportation/distance of ART clinic, 9.5% lack of food and 9.5% want to be blessed through fasting. Being female, older age, rural residents and low income were statistically significant (p=0.001) association with poor adherence.

Counselors shall have special emphasis on adherence before initiating Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) on older, female, rural residents. Watch and mobile alarm shall be well addressed in the adherence counseling and facilitating peer discussions was recommended. Improving the psychosocial support to HIV|AIDS patients from families, faith based organization, and government was highly recommended.

Key words: HAART, Adherence, HIV/AIDS, Ethiopia